Animated Hero Classics (1991)
S02E08 Marco Polo
Episode Overview
In 1296, Marco Polo, along with his father and uncle, returns to Turkey after an extraordinary 25-year expedition in the East. They share tales of immense wealth with the Duke of Venice, who is skeptical of their claims about China’s treasures. Soon after their return, conflict erupts between Venice and Genoa, leading Marco to join the fight. During the war, he befriends sailor Rusticello, a writer. Captured by the Duke and Duchess of Genoa, Marco captivates the Duchess with his tales of adventure, while Rusticello documents their experiences. After years in captivity, Marco is freed, and Rusticello presents him with the book detailing his journeys. Though initially doubtful of its reception, Marco encourages Rusticello to publish their stories, leading to the creation of *The Travels of Marco Polo*, a seminal work of the Middle Ages.
